12 May 2023 Ku Arts Statement re recent articles in The Australian

Ku Arts fully supports Minister Tony Burkes call for a wide-ranging and independent investigation into the concerning allegations against the APYACC. We agree with Minister Burke that cooperation between the NT and SA Governments is required and welcome Mr Paech’s call for a joint task-force.  There is an urgent need for an evidence-based investigation into the numerous claims made by The Australian newspaper against the APYACC and its management. Those who have been most impacted by these issues need to be able to share their experiences and this can only happen in a controlled, transparent, and safe environment. Ku Arts does not believe the claimed practices detailed by The Australian against the Collective are industry wide and are concerned for the significant impacts already being experienced by the First Nations arts community across Australia.

Ku Arts supports the 11 April 2023 Indigenous Art Code media statement encouraging people who have experienced issues related to the matters detailed in the Australian Newspaper to contact the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) – Ku Arts understands that conversations with the ACCC are confidential.

Ku Arts is a 100% Aboriginal governed arts organisation that works to support independent Aboriginal artists and art centres across the breadth of South Australia with our Directors representing a diversity of language groups.

Ku Arts is not affiliated with the APY Art Centre Collective.

For further enquiries contact: ceo@kuarts.com.au

Australian Competition Consumer Commission: Phone: 1300 302 502 - 1300 303 143 or online: https://portal.accc.gov.au/forms/info-form/make-an-enquiry/

Indigenous Art Code: Phone 0438 637 862 or email: info@indigenousartcode.org or online: https://indigenousartcode.org/